Home

AFL draft 2021: Melbourne father-son prospect Taj Woewodin impresses at combine as ‘nervous’ dad stays away

Headshot of Jordan McArdle
Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Taj and Shane Woewodin.
Camera IconTaj and Shane Woewodin. Credit: AFL Photos

While East Fremantle colts skipper Taj Woewodin blitzed Sunday’s draft combine at Wesley College, his “nervous” dad and Brownlow medallist Shane stayed far away.

Woewodin, who is eligible to go to Melbourne in next month’s national draft under the father-son rule, topped the 20m sprint with a blistering time of 2.89 seconds.

It was one of two sub three-second times the versatile Shark ran, putting an exclamation point on a consistent season where he made his State debut and caught the eye in WAFL colts finals.

Taj said while his father Shane, who played 138 of his 200 AFL games as a Demons including the 2000 grand final, gave him some advice on the day, he steered clear of the event.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“He stays away from it all, he doesn’t like being anywhere near me when this sort of stuff is happening so he stayed at home,” Taj revealed.

AFL DRAFT HUB: Highlights, profiles, stats and comparisons for WA’s top 20 draft prospects

The Game AFL 2024

“He gets just as nervous as I do. He just gave me the usual advice to work hard and put my best foot forward.”

Taj said while it would be a “dream” to follow his famous father’s footsteps to Melbourne, a club he’s supported his whole life, he was happy to go to any of the 18 AFL clubs.

He has spoken with the Demons several times throughout the season to go with “a bit of interest” elsewhere.

Woewodin in the 2km time trial.
Camera IconWoewodin in the 2km time trial. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Dees recruiting boss Jason Taylor was full of praise for the 18-year-old earlier in the year, noting “significant improvement” in his game this season.

His numbers reflect that, going from averaging 12 disposals, two tackles and two marks across last season to 23, five marks and five tackles to go with nine goals this year.

“Any AFL club would be great, to be on a list would be awesome,” he said.

“Obviously it would be a dream to be at Melbourne but at the end of the day, wherever I go I’ll give it my best shot.

“I’ve talked to Melbourne throughout the year but will likely wait until the end of the month to hear anything from them.

“There’s been a bit of interest from other clubs but we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

MORE DRAFT PROFILES: Jye Amiss | Jacob van Rooyen | Jesse Motlop | Jack Williams | Eric Benning

WA Football Commission State talent manager Adam Jones had “no doubt” Taj, who he described as a “quality kid, very driven and professional” would end up on the reigning premier’s list.

“Taj has shown terrific improvement this year and he’s another quality kid, very driven and professional,” Jones said.

“He’s worked hard on the contested side of his game and he’s got a very good all-round game in terms of skill level.

“He’s been able to play multiple roles and I think they really adds to his prospects that he’ll be able to come into a club and you can develop him into whatever role the team needs.

“He’s got the type of character that will take that on, so I think Melbourne have got a very good father-son prospect on their hands.

“I have no doubt he’ll end up there, it’s just of matter of where they pick him.”

Woewodin was one of several familiar names at the combine including Sharks teammates Josh Cripps (brother of Carlton co-captain Patrick), Corey Warner (brother of Sydney Swan Chad), South Fremantle’s Jesse Motlop (son of ex-Port Adelaide/North forward Daniel), Subiaco’s Richard Farmer (nephew of Melbourne/Fremantle champion Jeff) and Swan Districts’ Rhett Bazzo (son of late WAFL great Steve).

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails